Weather Forecast

Combines were out in full force this week as the annual summer wheat harvest got under way. This year’s harvest began much earlier than in years past. In fact, many people can’t really remember the last time harvest began as early as it did this year. Drier than normal conditions allowed the wheat crop to mature much earlier than in recent years. Some farmers were in the field as early as June 12 harvesting the golden crop. The crews pictured were busy Monday, June 18 north of Holyoke cutting wheat. Normally, the wheat harvest is associated with July 4 activities. This year, most of the crop will be collected long before 4th of July activities kick off.

Holyoke did receive some moisture Friday evening, June 15, but not enough to slow harvesters down. Official weather observer Dan Kafka recorded just over a half inch of rain southwest of Holyoke where he observes and records the weather each week. He noted the half inch was recorded at his location and unfortunately was not widespread. —Enterprise photos